It's Considered Torture in Some Places

Isolation

We do it to our kids (read that: Time Out).

We do it to each other (read that: The Silent Treatment).

We do it to ourselves (read that: Hide in Work, Hide Online, Hide in Hobbies, Hide in Busyness).

The truth is, we need each other. No one is sufficient to themselves. But where are we hiding our real selves? Are we hiding behind doctrine? Are we hiding behind our children? Are we hiding behind our work? Are we building walls out of those things and people to keep the world out of our hearts?

Sometimes a time apart is good and necessary. Children need to learn that hurting others separates them from the community they need. Heck, I can think of quite a few adults who need to learn this. Silent retreats are good for the soul, too. Taking care of our obligations is right and good. But there comes a point when isolation becomes Isolation and renders our interiors desolate.

Let's not go there.